Practical Tools for Your Spiritual Journey – Part 3

By Shelly Wilson

This three-part series of articles is intended to offer you tools and guidance for your spiritual journey. These tools are straightforward, uncomplicated and therefore, easily incorporated into our daily lives. I invite you to incorporate these tools and implement them as you are guided to do so. Remember, Spirituality is a way of life rather than simply a practice.

Read Part 1 of Practical Tools for Your Spiritual Journey  and Part 2: Practical Tools for your Spiritual Journey

Love Yourself Practice expressing verbally love for YOU. Look in a mirror and tell yourself, “I love you.” You can do this in the morning when you are brushing your teeth and combing your hair. It is important for you to mean it. Allow yourself to truly feel the love you have inside of yourself. This exercise will make you smile. It may even make you laugh especially with your first attempt. Laughter is healing. You may feel emotional as well. Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling. There is no shame in crying when doing this exercise, and tears are cleansing. Cross your arms and wrap them around you giving yourself a hug! Breathe in deeply and exhale. All is well.

Honor your Beliefs Identifying and honoring your personal beliefs is necessary, but it is equally important to acknowledge that not everyone has the same belief system as you. Having the courage to express your beliefs to others and not being afraid of what they might think involves fortitude. Allowing yourself to be who you really are with all people requires that you stand in your power. Standing in your power simply means “owning” what you believe to be true. Emanating this power in your words and actions requires no effort or thought when you allow yourself to just BE. It definitely does take courage to be your authentic self.